Social Security

Have You Been Denied Social Security Disability Benefits?

Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration denies many claimants who are truly disabled. It takes an experienced lawyer, with extensive knowledge of the laws and medical listings, to provide disabled claimants with the benefits that they deserve.

At Iannella & Mummolo, we take pride in our commitment to be the most effective means of introducing claimants with Social Security Disability inquiries to experienced attorneys who can provide accurate and knowledgeable answers.

What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you are a worker suffering from a disability, you may be qualified to receive monetary benefits from the Social Security Administration or from your local Social Security office. These benefits are referred to as Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI). Depending on the situation, these disability benefits may be granted to you and/or your dependents.

Who Is Eligible To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

In general, the Social Security Administration will pay cash benefits to those who are unable to work for at least one year because of a physical or mental disability. In order to receive these benefits, a claimant must prove the existence of a disabling condition.

How Does The Social Security Administration Define "Disability"?

Disability is based on an individual’s inability to work. A disability exists if the claimant is unable to perform the type of work previously held and cannot adjust to other types of work due to at least one medical condition. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, a claimant’s disability must last, or be expected to last, for at least a year or result in death.

How Much Money Will I Receive If I Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you are under the age of 65 and qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you may receive monthly cash benefits in the same amount you would have, had you retired at the age of 65. This holds true for as long as you remain disabled.

Should I Retain A Lawyer To Represent Me In My Social Security Disability Claim?

While a claimant is not required to have legal representation when filing a Social Security disability claim, retaining an experienced attorney is highly recommended, especially if the claimant’s initial application is denied.

An experienced lawyer can help strengthen your claim in many ways including, preparing, and submitting additional evidence to have your claim reconsidered for approval if it was denied, and arguing on your behalf at a formal hearing before a Social Security Administration judge.

At this hearing, an attorney will: prepare you to testify effectively; present various forms evidence in support of your claim; and cross-examine adverse witnesses called by the Social Security Administration. If your claim is unsuccessful at the hearing, a lawyer can also appeal the judge’s decision to the Appeals Council, and later appeal to the United States District Court.

Statistics demonstrate that claimants with legal representation are much more likely to succeed than claimants who choose to forgo retaining legal assistance. Therefore, your claim is likely strengthened by retaining an experienced attorney.

Hiring A Lawyer To Represent You

Attorneys who handle Social Security disability claims will represent you on a contingent fee basis. In other words, there is no attorney fee if your case is lost. You are required to pay a fee for your attorney's services only if your claim for disability benefits is awarded.

The charge is either 25% of past-due (retroactive) benefits or $6,000.00, depending upon which amount is less. Also, if your attorney incurs out-of-pocket expenses connected to your legal representation, these expenses will be included at the conclusion of your case.

When Should I Contact A Lawyer?

At the very latest, you should contact a lawyer immediately upon receiving notice from the Social Security Administration or local Social Security office that your initial application for disability benefits has been denied. Studies show that claimants with legal representation are more successful than those without legal assistance, and therefore, a lawyer is likely to improve your chances of receiving disability benefits.

What Should I Do If My Application For Disability Benefits Is Denied?

If you or someone you know has been improperly denied Social Security disability benefits, contact us immediately, and we will be prepared to review the circumstances regarding your claim. Once we have received your information, a member of our staff will contact you concerning your claim as soon as possible.